The Government's proposed citizens' assembly to consider the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution on abortion has been criticised by Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan.

He told the Dáil on Wednesday night his party would abstain on the vote setting it up, believing the issue was of such sensitivity and complexity it could not adequately be dealt with by putting together 100 citizens.

“Dáil Éireann could do that matter just as easily,’’ he added.

Mr O’Callaghan said Fianna Fáil favoured a judge-led commission which would have been able to call and listen to various interest groups.

It could provide “a cogent and coherent’’ report carrying the weight of a member of the superior courts, he added.

“A citizens’ assembly will not be effective,’’ said Mr O’Callaghan.

“A report produced by a judge in respect of the issue would be intellectually coherent and allow us to look at the options laid out and pick one.’’